Aid for Pulling On and Off Compression Stockings

ABSTRACT

The invention refers to an aid for pulling on and/or off stockings comprising a stocking retainer. The stocking, in particular a compression stocking, is at least temporarily during the process of putting on or off the stocking at least partially stretched over the stocking retainer. The aid for pulling on and/or off stockings comprises a pivot-mounted clamping element rotatable about a rotational axis. The clamping element comprises a clamping region for fastening the stocking put over the stocking retainer in respect to a counter pressure region of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings. The aid for pulling on and/or off stockings comprises longitudinal rods to which the stocking retainer is attached. The clamping element is rotatable in respect to the rotational axis. The radius between the rotational axis is greater than the distance between the rotational axis and the counter pressure region of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings so that with the clamping region of the clamping element lying against the counter pressure region a part of the stocking located in between is clamped.

The invention concerns an aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as a clamping element for fastening a stocking, especially a compression stocking, on the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to the preamble of claim 9.

Aids for pulling on compression stockings are known from the state of the art, for example from EP 0 332 837 A1. Usually, aids for pulling on stockings comprise a stocking retainer, over which at least part of the stocking is stretched. At least part of a person's foot is inserted into the stocking stretched over the stocking retainer and the stocking is unrolled from the stocking retainer over the person's leg and/or foot.

However, such an aid for pulling on stockings has the drawback that the stocking which is at least partially stretched over the stocking retainer of the aid for pulling on stockings can slip off the stocking retainer due to inherent tension of the stocking. This is particularly unfavorable, when the known aid for pulling on stockings shall also be used for pulling off the stocking from the leg and/or foot. Therefore, pulling off the stocking is not possible with the known aid for pulling on stockings. The reason for this is that during the process of pulling off the stocking initially it is rolled off the leg down to the foot and onto the stocking retainer. Then the foot should be pulled out of the initially stocking still located on the leg/foot. In the effort of doing so the stocking rolled-up onto the stocking retainer will slip off the retainer.

Therefore, the invention addresses the problem of developing and enhancing the known aid for pulling on stockings, especially compression stockings, such that the aid f can also be used for pulling off stockings.

For solving this problem, based on the aid for pulling on stockings of the initially mentioned type it is proposed to provide the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings with a clamping element comprising a clamping region. The clamping region is intended to fasten a stocking, which is stretched at least partially over a stocking retainer of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings, in respect to the stocking retainer at least during pulling off the stocking.

The aid for pulling on and/or off stockings does not only serve for pulling on and off stockings, but can also be used likewise for panty hoses. Though each stocking part of the panty hose may be pulled on or off one after the other. Usually such an aid for pulling on and/or off stockings is operated in a sitting manner. Pulling off the stocking can be preferably carried out before going to bed and pulling on the stocking can be carried out in the bed immediately after waking up. According to the invention the stocking is unrolled during pulling off the stocking from the leg for example up to the heel to the stocking retainer and so the stocking is pulled over the stocking retainer. Then the stocking is pulled over the heel either by hands or appropriate auxiliary means. Subsequently, the stocking stretched over the stocking retainer is fixed in respect to the stocking retainer by means of the clamping element. Thereby the one foot can be easily pulled out of the remaining stocking without pulling off the part of the stocking which remains on the stocking retainer from the stocking retainer. In doing so, one can support oneself with the other foot against the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings for being capable to apply a greater force during pulling the foot out of the stocking and to get out of the stocking easier. During the procedure of pulling off, the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings is inclined in such a way that an ergonomic and easy pulling off is possible. Preferably, the decline of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings increases during the procedure of pulling off. At the end of the procedure of pulling off the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings lies flat on the ground, compared to the beginning of the pulling-off about approximately 90° inclined. Hereby the pulling out of the foot is simplified. For a subsequent pulling on procedure for example in the next morning the stocking can advantageously remain on the stocking retainer, because it is secured by the clamping element. For fastening the stocking it is clamped between the clamping region of the clamping element and the stocking retainer of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings.

The present invention makes it possible to use the aid for pulling on stockings to support also the procedure of pulling off of stockings. This is possible due to the clamping element which fixes the stocking in respect to the stocking retainer of the aid for pulling on stockings and which avoids a non-wanted slipping off of the stocking put over the retainer. Thus the invention provides a valuable improvement of quality of life, in particular of weak and elder persons, for which not only the pulling on, but also the pulling off of compression stockings represents a daily time- and strength-consuming struggle. Due to the invention these people now can dress and undress on their own, because they can pull on and off their compression stockings on their own. The assignment of expensive carers only for the purpose of pulling on and off compression stockings is no longer necessary.

A fastening of the clamping element at the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings makes it advantageously possible that the clamping area of the clamping element can apply pressure on the stocking retainer in a simple way. Thereby a part of the stocking in between can be clamped and therefore be fastened.

A removable mounting of the clamping element at the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings permits advantageously that yet existing aids for pulling on stockings of the initially mentioned type can be equipped with or upgraded by the inventive clamping element. Thus the known aids for only pulling on stockings can also be used for pulling off stockings. An advantageous continued use of existing aids for pulling on stockings with an extended scope of operation regarding pulling off stockings is therefore possible.

If the clamping element is pivot-mounted at the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings and rotatable about a rotational axis, this results advantageously in a rotational degree of freedom of the clamping element through which an easy bearing with simultaneous simple guiding of the clamping area to the stocking retainer is realized. Advantageously this results in an easy handling of the clamping element whereby the function of the clamping element is self-explanatory. Therefore difficult instructions and reference manuals become unnecessary.

The clamping element can comprise means for variation of a contact pressure between the clamping region and the stocking retainer. This way it can be performed exactly as much contact pressure by the clamping element for fastening the stocking so that it does not slip off the stocking retainer during pulling off, and as much contact pressure for not damaging the stocking.

A surface of the clamping element directed to the stocking retainer comprises advantageously rubber or plastic material to prevent a damaging of the stocking and to provide a sufficient fastening of the stocking in respect to the surface of the clamping element directed to the stocking retainer.

Further features, applications and advantages of the invention arise from the following description of examples of embodiments of the invention which are presented in the figures of the drawing. The subject-matter of the invention is constituted by all described or depicted features on its own or in any combination, independently of its summary in the patent claims or its back reference and independently of its wording or depiction in the description or the drawing. In the drawing it is shown:

FIG. 1 a schematic perspective drawing of a clamping element;

FIG. 2 a schematic perspective drawing of a first aid for pulling on and/or off stockings with the clamping element;

FIGS. 3, 4 a, 4 b and 4 c a schematic perspective drawing of the first aid for pulling on and/or off stockings in a lateral view;

FIG. 5 a schematic perspective drawing of a second aid for pulling on and/or off stockings with the clamping element in a lateral view;

FIG. 6 a schematic drawing of an auxiliary stick in a lateral view;

FIG. 7 a top view of the inventive clamping element corresponding to a further preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 a cross-section of the clamping element crosswise to the rotational axis of the clamping element; and

FIG. 9 a top view of the clamping element in the direction IX-IX of FIG. 7.

The same reference signs are used in all figures for functional equivalent elements even in different embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective drawing of a clamping element 2. The clamping element 2 comprises a support region 16, a connection piece 18 and clamping region 20. The support region 16 is formed cylindrically, wherein an axis 22 passes centrically through the base of the cylinder of the support region 16. The support region 16 is fixed permanently with the connection piece 18. The connection piece 18 is fixed permanently with the clamping region 20. The connection piece 18 is adjustable in its length, whereby the distance between the support region 16 and the clamping region 20 can be altered and fixed. The clamping region 20 is bent concave directed to the axis 22. With a fixed length of the connection piece 18 the clamping element 2 can be rotated in such a way that a point on the clamping region 20 moves on a circular path of a circle about the axis 22, wherein the circle is arranged orthogonally to the axis 22. The connection piece 18 is generally referred to as a means.

The surface of the support region 20 directed to the stocking retainer 40 can comprise such properties so that by means of a lying against stocking, in particular a compression stocking, it occurs a high adhesion force between the stocking and the surface of the support region 20. The surface of the clamping element 20 is made of e. g. rubber or plastic material in the direction of the stocking retainer 40. The surface of a counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 can comprise properties in the direction of the clamping element 2 so that due to a touching stocking, in particular a compression stocking, it occurs only a low adhesion force between the stocking and the surface of the counter pressure region 30. The surface of the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 in the direction of the clamping element 2 is for example made of plastic material or metal.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings with a clamping element 2 and a stocking retainer 40. The stocking retainer 40 comprises the counter pressure region 30. There are specified three directions I, II and III which are mainly orthogonal to each other.

For pulling on a stocking the stocking will be at least partially put over the stocking retainer 40, so that the internal side of the stocking is directed outwards and at least a part of the foot can enter the stocking which is put over the stocking retainer 40 in such a way. It has to be understood that a stocking in the context of the present invention can also be only a part of the stocking or a panty hose. By unwinding or unrolling the stocking from the stocking retainer 40 and a following of the whole aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings in respect to the leg contrary to the direction I the stocking is transferred or unrolled from the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings onto the leg.

For pulling off the stocking the leg with the pulled on stocking is laid against the stocking retainer 40 such that the stocking can be put over the stocking retainer 40 from top to bottom, wherein the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings is moved in respect to the leg in the direction I. During the pulling off and putting over of the stocking the stocking will be pulled off beyond the heel and then the stocking will be fastened by means of the clamping element 2 in such a way that the part of the stocking which is put over the stocking retainer 40 will basically maintain its position in respect to the stocking retainer 40. The stocking is therefore fastened at the stocking retainer 40 by the clamping element 2. Now the foot can be pulled out of the stocking, whereby the stocking remains on the stocking retainer 40 for the next pulling on of the stocking. Though the clamping element 2 makes sure that the part of the stocking is clamped or fastened between the clamping region 20 and the counter pressure region 30. The fastening is described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 b. The pulling on and/or pulling off of a stocking is usually conducted sitting.

The stocking retainer 40 comprises mainly first holding rods 32 and second holding rods 34. The two first holding rods 32 extend in sections mainly parallel to each other and form an arc-shaped bow into the direction against the direction I mainly in a plane II-III, the bow being open into a direction II. A part of the arc-shaped bow forms the counter pressure region 30, on which the clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 can rest, so that ideally the clamping region 20 can apply the same force to each point of the counter pressure region 30. The second holding rods 34 form a further arc-shaped bow which is oriented basically in a plane I-III and which is opened into the direction I. Each of the first holding rods 32 is connected with a bottom rod 38 by a connection rod 36. The bottom rods 38 are connected over a transversal rod 42. Both bottom rods 38 run mainly parallel to each other. The two second holding rods 34 are connected with the transversal rod 42. At the connection between the transversal rod 42 and one of the bottom rods 38 a longitudinal rod 46 is arranged mainly parallel to the direction I. On the other end of the bottom rods 38 opposite to the connection to the longitudinal rod 46 it is arranged a support rod 44, respectively, which is directly connected with the longitudinal rod 46 for stabilizing the connection of the longitudinal rod 46 with the bottom rod 38 and the transversal rod 42. Into direction III the longitudinal rods 46 are connected with each other in the region of the rotational axis 22 by a cross rod (hidden in FIGS. 4 to 5 by mounting regions 14 and a support region 16). Against the direction I a holding rod 48 is connected to one of the longitudinal rods 46, respectively. The holding rods 48 are mainly directed into the direction II. In the direction II the holding rods 48 are arc-shaped and rounded downwards, meaning into direction I, respectively.

The mounting regions 14, which are cylinders like the support region 16 of the clamping element 2, are arranged along the axis 22 between the two longitudinal rods 46 encasing the support region 16 of the clamping element 2. A mounting region 14 is fixed permanently at a longitudinal rod 46, whereby the connection also can be removable. The clamping element 2 is pivot-mounted and rotatable about the axis 22 by means of the support region 16, so that the clamping region 20 is movable in respect to the stocking retainer 40. The clamping element 2 is mounted movable in respect to the stocking retainer 40. The clamping element 2 can be mounted or removably mounted on the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off a stocking.

The holding rods 48 are arranged on both sides of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings. The clamping element 2 is arranged between the holding rods 48. The rotational axis 22 extends between both sides of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings.

In an upright position of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings both bottom rods 38 together with both transversal rods 42 extending orthogonally to the both bottom rods 38 are located mainly on the floor. In a horizontal position of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings both longitudinal rods 46 are located mainly on the floor.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective drawing of the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings in a lateral view from the direction II of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 a shows a schematic perspective drawing of the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings in a lateral view from the direction III of FIG. 2. The clamping element 2 is mainly directed downwards in direction I and the clamping region 20 is not connected to any other part of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 a show the clamping element 2 in an idle position, wherein the clamping element 2 is, for example because of the gravitation, turned downwards about the rotational axis 22 and directed into direction I. In the idle position a clamping of the compression stocking between the clamping region 20 and the stocking retainer 40 does not occur. The clamping element 2 can be turned upwards about the rotational axis 22 tangential to the circular path by a small force acting upon and it can be brought into an operating position. Of course, the clamping element 2 can be mounted such that it is not brought automatically into the idle position by gravitation, but can be forced for example by a spring element against the gravitation upwards into the operating position.

FIG. 4 b shows a schematic perspective drawing of the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings in a lateral view from the direction III of FIG. 2. The clamping element 2 is in contrast to FIG. 4 a guided to the counter pressure region 30. A not shown stocking put over the stocking retainer 40 before is now fastened at the stocking retainer 40. This fastening of a stocking is achieved by that the clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 applies a contact pressure onto the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 and therefore clamps the stocking between the clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 and the stocking retainer 40 of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings. The connection piece 18 allows a variation of the contact pressure between the clamping region 20 and the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40.

According to FIG. 4 b the clamping element 2 is in the operating position. The operating position is characterized by that a stocking is clamped between the clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 and the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 and the stocking is therefore held at the aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings. By a relative high force acting tangential to the circular path with a component of the force in the direction I upon the clamping element 2 the clamping element 2 can be rotated about the rotational axis 22 and can be transferred into the idle position.

The contact pressure is a force acting upon an area. In this case the force is applied by the clamping element 2 which is supported by the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings. In this case the adjacent areas between the clamping element 2 and the counter pressure region 30 are this region, wherein the stocking is located between the adjacent areas.

For the clamping or fastening of the stocking between the clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 and the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 the clamping region 20 is fed to the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 on the circular path about the axis 22 from the bottom, that is to say in the direction II and against the direction I. For this the stocking is clamped between the clamping region 20 and the stocking retainer 40. The axis 22 of the clamping element 2 and the stocking retainer 40 are in a fixed position to each other.

The clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 fastens the stocking on the stocking retainer 40 in such a way that the stocking is fastened even tighter on the stocking retainer 40 during pulling off the stocking. This can be achieved for example by that the rotational axis 22 is arranged above the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 corresponding to the clamping region 20, wherein the rotational axis 22 is above the counter pressure region 30 during the pulling on of the stocking seen in an entry direction of the foot, during the entry of the foot into the stocking which is at least partially put over the stocking retainer 40, and wherein the rotational axis 22 is arranged above the counter pressure region 30 seen in the pulling out direction during the pulling out of the stocking meaning the pulling out of the foot out of the stocking which is at least partially put over the stocking retainer 40. Moreover, the radius between the rotational axis 22 and the clamping region 20 is greater than the distance between the rotational axis 22 and the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40. If the clamping region 20 is put against the counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40 from the bottom meaning mainly against direction I, up turned forces against the direction I act upon the clamping element 2 during the pulling off of the stocking which want to turn the clamping element 2 further upwards. Though the clamping region 20 is pushed more powerful against the counter pressure region 30.

The clamping region 20 has a shape embracing the counter pressure region 30 and corresponding to the counter pressure region 30. The clamping region 20 is provided concave on the side directed to the stocking retainer 40 such that the clamping region 20 can mainly lie against a corresponding convex counter pressure region 30 of the stocking retainer 40.

FIG. 4 c shows a schematic perspective drawing of the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings in a lateral view from the direction III of the FIG. 2. In contrast to FIG. 4 a a stand element 62 is arranged at both longitudinal rods 46 in the area directed to the bottom rods 38. The stand element 62 is arranged mainly parallel to the transversal rod 42. The stand element 62 sticks out of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings in its longitudinal direction mainly in the direction III. The stand element 62 can also be upgraded afterwards.

The stand element 62 is arranged in such a way that during the tilting of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings about an area 64 starting from a vertical position the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings rests additionally on an area 66, wherein the holding rods 48 are moved against the direction II. By means of the stand element 6 the stability regarding the stand of the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings is improved. Also the sticking out of the stand element 62 improves the stability regarding the standing. In the horizontal position of the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings the stocking retainer 40 is tilted by the stand element 62 in such a way that a pulling off of the stocking especially the pulling out of the foot is facilitated. Moreover, the stand element 62 makes it possible that one can support oneself during the pulling off of the stocking with the other foot not participating in the pulling off on the aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings. The aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings has a safe standing due to the stand element 62.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective drawing of a second aid 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings in a lateral view from direction III of the FIG. 2. In contrast to the first aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings the second aid 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings has no support rods 44 between the bottom rod 38 and the longitudinal rod 46. The second aid 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings comprises further longitudinal rods 54 which are mounted in the run of the bottom rods 38 which run basically into the direction I and which turn bended basically into the direction II, wherein the bend passes onto the holding rod 48 by an U-shaped bending region 52 which is opened against the direction II.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic drawing of an auxiliary stick 70 in a lateral view. The auxiliary stick 70 comprises a main body 72 and a hand hold 74. The auxiliary stick 70 is basically rotationally symmetric to an axis IV except for a depression 76 of the main body 72. The depression 76 is shaped such that it can take the stocking lying against the leg or at the foot and such that the depression 76 can detach the stocking from the leg or from the foot thereby rolling the stocking off over the heel. During a pulling off of the stocking with the mentioned aid 4 for pulling on and/or off stockings the stocking is put over the stocking retainer 40. Now the stocking can be taken up by means of the auxiliary stick 70 and can be pushed over the heel. For this the depression 76 of the auxiliary stick 70 is fed in the direction V. In the area of the depression 76 the auxiliary stick 70 can be made of rubber and/or plastic material, whereby a slipping off of the auxiliary stick 70 from the stocking is prevented.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic drawing of a further embodiment of the clamping element 2 in a view into the viewing direction against the direction II with the clamping element 2 turned downwards and residing in the idle position. Preferably the clamping element 2 is made entirely out of plastic material for example by means of an injection moulding method. The clamping element 2 is preferably made of one piece. The position of the clamping element 2 is basically the same from the FIGS. 2 and 3, so that the directions I, II, III from the FIGS. 2 and 3 can also be used here. The clamping element 2 comprises basically the clamping region 20 and the support region 16 which is fixed permanently to the clamping region 20. In the area of the axis 22 the support region 16 comprises a groove 94 which is explained in detail in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9. The surface 82 of the clamping region 20 embraces the surface of the counter pressure region 30. Therefore, the surface 82 of the clamping region 20 has a shape corresponding to the surface of the counter pressure region 30.

For fastening a stocking it is put over the stocking retainer 40 and the clamping element 2 is guided to the counter pressure region 30 by a pivoting movement in the form of a rotational movement about the axis 22. Therefore, the stocking is located between the surface 82 of the clamping element 2 and the surface of the counter pressure region 30 and is therefore clamped in between and fastened. In this state according to FIG. 4 b stopper means 80 prevent especially during the pulling off of the stocking that the clamping element 2 is rotated further in the mentioned rotational direction. The force occurring during the process of pulling on and off the stocking comprises a component of force in direction I and without stopper means 80 could lead to a situation that the clamping element 2 rotates further into the direction of this component of force and that the clamping region 20 of the clamping element 2 finally slips off the counter pressure region 30. This is prevented by the stopping means 80.

The stopping means 80 comprise an area basically orthogonal to the surface 82 wherein this area touches the counter pressure region 30, especially a rod of the counter pressure region 30, and wherein this area prevents and limits a further rotation of the clamping element 2. A strike of one of the stocking means onto a counter element of the stocking retainer 40, especially on a rod of the counter pressure region 30, delimits therefore a pivoting movement of the clamping element 2. In case of a rotational movement of the clamping element 2 about the axis 22 of course it can be provided another type of pivoting movement of the clamping element 2. In case of the two shown stopping means 80 it can be provided of course only one stopping means 80 or more than two stopping means 80.

A first side wall 84 of the clamping region 20 runs mainly orthogonally to the surface 82 of the clamping region 20. A first edge 86 runs between the first surface 82 and the first side wall 84. The clamping region 20 comprises a second side wall not shown in FIG. 7 opposite to the first side wall 84. The second side wall runs mainly orthogonally to the surface 82. A second edge 88 runs between the second side wall and the surface 82. Therefore the second edge 88 delimits the surface 82. During the pivoting movement of the clamping element 2 directed to the counter pressure region 30, the second edge 88 of the clamping region 20 is arranged on the side of the clamping element 2 turned away from the counter pressure region 30. The stopper means 80 are arranged on the outer ends of the second edge 88. The stopper means 80 are mainly extensive and mainly arranged parallel to the first side wall 84 and the second side wall.

The stopper means 80 are designed wing-shaped, respectively. According to the wing-shaped design of one of the stopper means 80 an outer edge 90 is basically flush with an outer lateral closing wall 92 of the clamping region 20, wherein the outer closing walls 92 run mainly orthogonally to the first side wall 84 and the second side wall. The closing walls 92 delimit both ends of the clamping region 20.

In the area of the stopper means 80 the second edge 88 passes over to the outer edge 90. The outer edge 90 of one of the stopper means 80 and the second edge 88 running along the clamping region 20 enclose an obtuse angle. An obtuse angle has values greater than 90° and smaller than 180°. The rounded wing-shaped run of the outer edge 90 is basically orthogonal to the surface 82 of the clamping region 20. Furthermore, the outer edge 90 is rounded for not damaging the stocking.

Advantageously the form of the stopper means 80 prevents that the stocking is clamped, damaged or destroyed between the clamping element 2 and the counter pressure region 30. Especially one of the stopper means 80 does not comprise an acute angle which can lead to a clamping of the stocking. An acute angle is smaller than 90°. The above-mentioned embodiments of the clamping element 2 with the stopper means 80 therefore prevent a further rotation of the clamping element 2 with the stocking fastened and simultaneously protecting the material of the stocking.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the further embodiment of the clamping element at a right angle to the rotational axis 22. The groove 94 runs with mainly constant cross-section into the direction III. The groove 94 is provided for that the clamping element 2 is fastened removably on the transversal rod (mounting rod) which runs mainly horizontally, and which connects the longitudinal rods 46 of the aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings. In the cross-section according to FIG. 8 the groove 94 comprises a bearing region 96. The bearing region 96 has a radius 98 which conforms basically, considering the tolerances, to the radius of the mounting rod which is basically round in a cross-section. The bearing region 96 encloses an obtuse angle in its cross-section. An obtuse angle is basically greater than 180° and smaller than 360°. In particular, the bearing region 96 encloses an angle greater than 180° and smaller than 200° in its cross-section. The groove 94 comprises walls 102 in its cross-section, wherein the distance between the walls 102 decreases starting from the bearing region 96 to the opening of the groove 94 running along the groove 94. A cross-section of the groove 94 therefore decreases starting from the bearing region 96 to the opening of the groove 94.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic drawing of the further embodiment of the clamping element 2 in a view in direction I. In particular the run of the groove 94 through the cylindrical support region 16 along the axis 22 is shown.

By means of the bearing region 96 it is possible that the clamping element 2 can be mounted and embedded on the mounting rod of the aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings. The clamping element 2 can be only rotated about the axis 22 and therefore around the mounting rod with the corresponding bearing. In a further embodiment of the clamping element 2 and the aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings the groove 94 can of course be realized at a corresponding mounting rod, wherein the clamping element is correspondingly implemented rod-like.

The groove 94 is provided at the support region 16 in such a way that the clamping element 2 can be mounted on the mounting rod by means of an application of a force directed to the mounting rod of the aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings. The bearing region 96 of the groove 94 embraces the mounting rod in its cross-section in the obtuse angle according to a mounting of the clamping element 2. The mounting rod extends along the axis 22. Furthermore, the groove 94 of the support region 16 is provided in such a way that the element 2 is removable from the mounting rod by means of a further application of a force directed away from the mounting rod. For the mounting of the clamping element 2 and the removing of the clamping element 2 away from the mounting rod the properties of the material especially of the support region 16 in the area of the groove 94 and the geometry of the groove 94 are adjusted accordingly.

The afore-mentioned form of the groove 94 allows an easy snapping on of the clamping element 2 for a yet existing aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings and also allows an easy removal of the clamping element 2 from the respective mounting rod. A substitution of a damaged clamping element 2 and an easy exchange of the clamping element 2 are therefore feasible. Therefore the easy and rapid mounting saves costs, for example for maintenance of the aid 4, 6 for pulling on and/or off stockings. 

1. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings, the aid comprising a stocking retainer, wherein during the process of pulling on or off a stocking, in particular a compression stocking, the stocking is stretched at least partially and at least temporarily over the stocking retainer, wherein the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings comprises a pivot-mounted clamping element rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the clamping element comprises a clamping region for fastening the stocking stretched over the stocking retainer in respect to a counter pressure region of the stocking retainer, characterized in that the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings comprises longitudinal rods, to which the stocking retainer is attached, and that the clamping element is rotatable about the rotational axis in respect to the longitudinal rods, and that a radius between the rotational axis and the clamping region is larger than a distance between the rotational axis and the counter pressure region of the stocking retainer, so that with the clamping region of the clamping element lying against the counter pressure region a part of the stocking located in between is clamped.
 2. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element comprises means for adjusting a contact pressure between the clamping region and the counter pressure region of the stocking retainer.
 3. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping element comprises a support region rotatable about the rotational axis, wherein the means for adjusting the contact pressure are designed as a connection piece, which connects the support region with the clamping region, and wherein the connection piece is adjustable in its length, so that the distance between the support region and the clamping region is adjustable and fixable.
 4. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 1, characterized in that a surface of the clamping region directed to the stocking retainer and which fixes the stocking in respect to the stocking retainer comprises rubber or plastic material.
 5. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping region has a shape corresponding to the counter pressure region.
 6. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter pressure region of the stocking retainer is bent convex on a side directed to the rotational axis.
 7. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping region of the clamping element is bent concave on a side directed to the counter pressure region.
 8. Aid for pulling on and/or off stockings according to claim 1, characterized in that with the clamping region lying against the counter pressure region the clamping region rests extensively on the counter pressure region.
 9. Clamping element for use with an aid for pulling on and/or off stockings, which comprises a stocking retainer, over which during the process of pulling on or off the stocking a stocking, in particular a compression stocking, is stretched at least partially and at least temporarily, wherein the clamping element comprises a support region for fixing the clamping element to the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings rotatably about a rotational axis, and the clamping element comprises a clamping region for fastening the stocking stretched over the stocking retainer in respect to a counter pressure region of the stocking retainer, characterized in that the clamping element is designed such that a radius between the rotational axis and the clamping region is larger than a distance between the rotational axis and the counter pressure region of the stocking retainer of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings, for which the clamping element is provided, so that with the clamping region of the clamping element lying against the counter pressure region a part of the stocking located in between is clamped.
 10. Clamping element according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one stopper means is provided at the clamping region, the at least one stopper means being configured to limit a pivoting movement of the clamping element in respect to the stocking retainer at least during the process of pulling off the stocking.
 11. Clamping element according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one stopper means limits the pivoting movement of the clamping element by lying against a counter element of the stocking retainer, in particular by lying against a mounting rod of the counter pressure region of the stocking retainer.
 12. Clamping element according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one stopper means comprises a projection projecting from the clamping region of the clamping element and directed away from the rotational axis of the clamping element, and that the projection is arranged mainly orthogonal to a surface of the clamping region facing away from the rotational axis of the clamping element.
 13. Clamping element according to claim 9, characterized in that the rotational axis runs through a mounting rod of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings, and that a groove for receiving the mounting rod is provided in the support region.
 14. Clamping element according to claim 13, characterized in that an opening of the groove is directed away from the clamping region of the clamping element, or that the clamping element is removably fastened to the mounting rod of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings by means of the groove.
 15. Clamping element according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamping element is clampably fastened to the mounting rod of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings by means of the groove, or that a bearing region for receiving the mounting rod of the aid for pulling on and/or off stockings is provided on the bottom of the groove, wherein a cross section of the bearing region is at least as large as a cross section of the mounting rod, or that in a cross sectional view a distance of opposing walls of the groove decreases from the bearing region to an opening of the groove. 